But, in harrowing scenes which demonstrates the depravity and callousness of the armed robbers, the man with the axe can be seen as he violently knees both female staff members in the head before fleeing out the door.

Axe robber knees Central Lane Hotel women in the head.

Both women, after having been violently attacked, jump up and secure the front door.

"It was quite a violent armed robbery and I think the public as well as the police have been disgusted by these actions," Det Snr Srg Peachey said.

"Not only for the actual armed robbery but the fact these two victims in the matter were sitting in a prone position compliant with all the directions of the offender and still violently assaulted.

"The fact these girls were slightly built they did nothing to agitate these offenders…and then for no reason at all were violently assaulted. It's absolutely disgusting and a coward act," he said.

Axe robber knees the women in the head.

Although police were interviewing a man yesterday who matched the description of the fat bag man, police released him without charge.

"There are people out there who know who these people are," Det Snr Srg Peachey said.

"[It was] quite a significant amount of money was taken, there were people out and about that night and we've had a number of witnesses come forward saying they saw people running from the address."

Police say they are still investigating the incident and will be pursing these offenders at all costs.
If anyone has any information they are urged to contact Gladstone police immediately on 49713222.